Mixed response on UP's move on job reservation

PTIAug 11, 2007, 10.00pm IST

NEW DELHI: Apex industry chambers on Saturday gave a mixed response to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati's announcement to give sops to industries that reserve jobs for weaker sections of the society.

While Assocham said the move would not make industry uncompetitive, FICCI said the effectiveness of this measure would depend on availability of skilled candidates.

"The agenda to push forward for 30 per cent jobs for SCs, OBCs, backward religious minorities and economically weaker sections from upper castes will not make any way industry uncompetitive because there is no dearth of talent from any sections of the society," Assocham President V N Dhoot said in statement.

He said the initiative would help government to implement its agenda of "inclusive growth".

However, FICCI said in a statement: "A massive training and skill formation movement across the State would have to be initiated simultaneously, targeting the SC/ST, OBC, minorities and economically backward members of the upper caste."